Why monitoring your ‘emotional gas tank’ is critical to fighting burnout

 
 
After a long and very hot week—for those of us on the West and East coasts, anyway—we’ve reached a much-needed holiday weekend. But for the many workers burned out from a year-and-a-half of stress, loss, and extra work, it’s going to take more than a long weekend to feel rejuvenated. True burnout, which results from “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed,” is a huge problem, for individuals and companies. 

Burnout is something we’ve covered for years at Fast Company, but the issue has only grown more acute in the wake of the pandemic and associated economic turmoil. As leadership consultant Dr. Christopher Coultas wrote for us in May, “We are all trying to do the same—or maybe more—with fewer resources and more constraints. It’s only natural that our physical, mental, and emotional energy will slowly drain away.”

Unfortunately rooting out burnout is not an easy task. Because it's a systemic issue, it’s not the kind of thing that can be solved by taking more bubble baths or attending an info session about work-life balance. That doesn’t mean it’s an insurmountable obstacle—for individuals or leaders of companies who are genuinely committed to the mental health of their employees. Read on for concrete strategies about fighting fatigue and to learn why the stigma surrounding burnout can be so dangerous.

Julia Herbst
 
mindfulness at work
What you’re probably getting wrong about workplace burnout

Workplace burnout has gotten a lot of attention since the World Health Organization expanded its definition, but that doesn’t mean it’s now officially a diagnosable disease, says the American Psychological Association. Read more.

 
mindfulness at work
This clever strategy can help wipe out burnout

As more mental burdens pile on, burnout can set in. Here’s one technique to encourage all workers to release some emotional weight. Read more.

 
productivity secrets
Stop working too much—and letting your team overwork, too

Employees are working too much, leading to burnout and disengagement. Here’s how managers and employees can both work on solutions. Read more.

 
 
 
 
6 unconventional productivity tips for a calm and focused 2021

RescueTime’s research uncovered practices that you can take into 2021 that will help you rebuild your focus, develop mental resilience, and find a sense of calm in an otherwise stormy world. Read more.

 
fight burnout
These 5 steps can help protect you from burnout

Your surroundings may lead to your own workplace exhaustion when a culture is low on a sense of control and social connection. Read more.

 
work-life balance
Burnout put me in the hospital. This is what I learned about healthy work-life balance

A neurolinguistics coach recalls when a doctor told her that she was so stressed for so long that she had to either change her lifestyle or have surgery to staple her organs to keep them in place. Read more. 

 
fight burnout
Why monitoring your ‘emotional gas tank’ is critical to fighting burnout

Some of your most common time management frustrations may be connected to your emotional commitment and effort level. Read more. 

 
recommender
Hate the smell of bug spray? This startup made a delicious-smelling, plant-based alternative

Not everyone wants a face full of DEET when they head outside. Kinfield’s Golden Hour mosquito repellant is a delightful, effective alternative. Read more. 

 
recommender
The best 4th of July sales of 2021

Whether you want a new tent, some pro-grade cookware, or a pair of classic Levi’s 501s, here are 10 sales that are worth checking out. Read more. 

 
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